Dairy farmers are facing financial
difficulties these days after
there has been talk of a cheese
factory coming to Centre
County.
Several dairy farmers we
have spoken with say that it
might be too late and they need
help now.
This is Harry Wasson's 50th
year as a dairy farmer, in
terms of profitability this
could be the toughest year yet.
"There is not much left out
of the milk shack to pay the
rest of the bills.
We are dipping into savings.
It is trying to go."
How crazy is the current
market?
What you are paying is nowhere
near what farmers are being
paid.
"Probably less than one
dollar per gallon."
Pennsylvania is one of the
most productive dairy states in
the nation but other milk you
sent here.
"They need to stop the flow
of fluid milk to Pennsylvania
that is coming out of New York
and Ohio and Michigan.
A study on improving the
dairy finances says state
college has a sight for a
cheese factory.
We are in the early stages
so we are working with the
governor action team for
potential sites."
The farmers reaction.
"It can benefit if it happens
soon enough but it will likely
not happen for multiple years.
Until then there is going to
be a lot of numbers of farmers
going out of business."
"Agriculture remains
Pennsylvania's top industry.
"Take care of the dairy farmer
because all agriculture relies
on dairy"